Ahmadinejad at the U.N.

Where's the outrage?

Iranian extremist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has wangled invitations from various patrons of New York polite society this week, seeking "dialogue" and discussion, during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly. He is, after all, president of Iran.

But we should harbor no illusions about what the man is up to.

Ahmadinejad has revealed his agenda.

He is not just against Israel. He is against the Jewish community in its entirety.

He is not just against Israel. He is against the Jewish community in its entirety.

This was made plain by the dastardly speech delivered by the Iranian strong man from the platform of the General Assembly earlier this week. The text came straight from Joseph Goebbels.

The Iranian leader did not observe the polite distinctions of refined anti-Semites in Europe and elsewhere. He did not say that some of his best friends were Jews, even though the Israeli state should be considered a criminal regime.

Instead, taking advantage of the world financial crisis, he resurrected language from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and recycled the worst of Hitler's tropes.

He knows his moment, and, evidently, his audience.

Amadinejad announced that the Wall Street financial crisis was the fault of the Jews. Jews, writ large. True, he spoke of "Zionists." True, most Jews are, indeed, supporters of the state of Israel. But he attacked the Jewish community around the world for crimes they were said to have committed, with no relation to Israel.

He is rebranding a real and full-throated anti-Semitism. The nightmare sketched by Philip Roth, in his novel about the possible revival of the real thing, has come out from under the bed.

Listen to the Iranian president in his own voice of malevolence -- citing the "deceitful, complex and furtive manner" of people who live as Jews.

The Jews control the media. The Jews control financial centers. The Jews force politicians to hearken to their interests. The Jews are an "acquisitive and invasive people."

We have heard that voice before, and it did not end well.

For the sake of a reader who might be disbelieving, it is well to quote these paragraphs in full. This text was delivered before the diplomats from 190 countries. The United States and Israel had already left the room. No other country sought to make a point of order, to move to strike the remarks from the record as inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations or to leave the room in protest during the speech. On the contrary, his anti-Semitic hatemongering was applauded. The president of the General Assembly embraced Ahmadinejad after the speech was completed.

To their shame, U.N. member states' pledges of "Never Again" were betrayed by a singular lack of moral outcry. Have they learned nothing from the multitude of Holocaust education and genocide prevention programs they sponsored?

Ahmadinejad said to the United Nations assembly: "The dignity, integrity and rights of the American and European people are being played with by a small but deceitful number of people called Zionists. Although they are a miniscule minority, they have been dominating an important portion of the financial and monetary centers as well as the political decision-making centers of some European countries and the U.S. in a deceitful, complex and furtive manner."

And then the Iranian head-thug lamented that any political candidate might even talk to the Jewish community -- mimicking the phrase recently heard in American politics, about "what politicians do."

"It is deeply disastrous," said President Amadinejad, "to witness that some presidential or premiere [sic] nominees in some big countries have to visit these people, take part in their gatherings, swear their allegiance and commitment to their interests in order to attain financial or media support."

"This means that the great people of America and various nations of Europe need to obey the demands and wishes of a small number of acquisitive and invasive people. These nations are spending their dignity and resources on the crimes and occupations and the threats of the Zionist network against their will."

If he had used the word "Jew" instead of "Zionist," such sentiments would likely be barred from the Internet in many countries, as a form of hateful invective.

But Ahmadinejad is clever, and summons the spirit of European and Muslim anti-Semitism by casting this as an issue of the Jewish state.

He ends on that note. His "humane solution" to the Zionist problem is to have "a free referendum in Palestine for determining and establishing the type of state in the entire Palestinian lands."

The United States delegation to the 1919 Peace Conference was instructed that the Jewish home in Palestine should be recognized when it became a state in fact. Israel was admitted to the United Nations in 1949 as a Jewish state.

But in a world in which the recrudescence of anti-Semitism is always a safe bet, Ahmadinejad's proposal for a popular referendum, apparently to embrace the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel proper, would have a predictable consequence -- the elimination of a member state of the United Nations.

For the rest of this week, this violent man is making the rounds in New York City. Ahmadinejad has appeared on Larry King Live. He is attending a dinner at a New York hotel for a "dialogue" with Quakers, Mennonites, and Episcopal groups. He has met with these same groups three times before, and it has only served to embolden him.

Several years ago, as leader of the United Nations, Secretary General Kofi Annan warned of the "alarming resurgence" of anti-Semitism in the world. "It is hard to believe," he said, "that, 60 years after the Holocaust, anti-Semitism is once again rearing its head."

Annan was exactly right about the danger. His clarity should limit the charade of Ahmadinejad's visit.

In this week's hollow ceremonies of polite discourse, no one should be deceived about the malign intentions of the current leader of Iran, as he builds his nuclear weapon.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 14

(14)
jt,
October 9, 2008 1:14 AM

to: pacifist, you''re an idiot

there''s a long history of jew-hate. they hate us for many reasons. none of our making, unless you count accepting the torah at sinai ''our making''.

pacifists like you exemplify an utter ignorance of the existence of evil in the world and the necessity to fight it.

life is not so simple as ''just talk it out and make peace''. you can''t do that with people sworn to destroy you.

get real and get a real view of the world. pacifists like you are responsible for allowing evil to flourish.

(13)
will,
October 6, 2008 4:43 PM

weapons of war

The weapons of war are mostly produced in the United States,Russia, and China. The hate being professed by the Iranian leader is to be expected and must be countered. The hate spewed by many countries of like opinion must be countered. Anyone who looks in to the truth of Judaism knows this hate rhetoric is not true, but fear of the unknown always brings about hate as a reaction instead of intelligence through education and study. G-d will always save a remnant of Judaism as promised, but we all know the path is not easy and is littered with our dead. It is coming to the point where we will have to defend our life, liberty, and posterity once again and that day is coming fast. Not everyone who claims to be a friend of the Jew is in fact a friend. Not everyone who fears the Jew is an enemy. It is up to the Jew to live as G-d has prescribed and in doing such G-d will deliver us from destruction. Hate mongers will remain hate mongers and they will have to be destroyed, either by our hand or by the hand of G-d. The destiny at hand is very scary, true... but clear. We cannot allow the Holocaust to repeat itself. We must not let our enemies become any stronger as they are too strong already. We must battle them with education, truth, and when no other option presents itself... war.

(12)
Yaacov,
October 3, 2008 9:38 AM

to "pacifist"

Pacifist, you say that like it's the easiest thing to do, and the leaders from both sides aren't in for peace because of simple details.
Wake up. There are larger forces involved behind the conflict, I'm not talking about deities, I'm talking about BIG countries who support terrorism. As far as I'm concerned, no countries produce AK-47s besides Russia, ironically it's the assault rifle every terrorist in the world does have. If not, what country is producing all weaponry and explosives etc that Hizbollah and Hamas have? Who/which country is selling to them? You have to destroy the problem from it's core, or else you're just postponing the solution of the problem, right?
Maybe you should try to see the picture as a whole instead of assuming it's just a small fight happening in the middle east.

(11)
Pacifist,
October 2, 2008 2:47 AM

Why don't you just live in peace ?????

Just a question to Israelis , Arabs and Iranians : Why don't you just solve your problems and live all together in peace ?? European nations had terrible destructive wars for decades and now they live in peace under the EU . Can't you make something like this in the Middle East ?? Guys , you were the origin of civilizations ( Jewish - Egyptian - Persian - Phoenician , etc ) Why don't you just live in peace ????

(10)
Anonymous,
October 1, 2008 12:46 PM

dates, apples, squash, carrots, etc.

Let us hope that the simonim we used on Rosh Hashana will take care of the sonay Yisroel, quickly. Thank you, Hashem Yisborach.

(9)
Shlomo,
September 29, 2008 12:44 PM

I think the world will be better off with out this lunatic and the UN included,you will find more dignity in a public toilet then in th UN are they seek in the head how could they let this monkey face speak like that i hope that iran have an earthquake worst than the 2003.

(8)
feiv,
September 29, 2008 11:12 AM

no

"In the absence of outcry, he will have won."
he will have won nothing
his will and his words are in the hand of HaKodesh Barchu.
if the Jewish people do not take this as a warning and do Tshuvah, THEN he will have won.

(7)
Lynn,
September 29, 2008 7:37 AM

Beyond Scary

I'm ashamed of the UN. So much for what's the betterment of the world, this is purely selfish on his part. And that the US media is giving him an outlet? I don't mean this article, I mean Larry King Live, the uninformed "socialites" of NYC. It's appalling and worrisome. If the UN won't stand up for itself, it's up to us, the Jews of all 'levels' to do it. But how?

(6)
Linda,
September 28, 2008 6:08 PM

A very important commentary.

He should not have the freedom to go around New york spewing his filth. If he must go to the U.N. (which I object to vehemently) he should go in and out without any other liberties. He's dispicable!

(5)
Myrtle,
September 28, 2008 4:47 PM

Finally

Thank you for writing this fantastic article. I've been searching the mainstream news outlets looking for some commentary of this horrifically antisemitic speech, but what I've read seems to downplay the viciously antisemitic parts. What a shocker. Keep writing, please. I never thought I'd live to see a flesh and blook Haman in my lifetimes.

(4)
David Shabtai,
September 28, 2008 1:40 PM

On the eve of the New Year, we are warned.

As we prepare to enter the New Year, let us take heed from the evil, malicious tongue of the Iranian President, and the complacent U.N. As joyous as this time of year should be, we Jews have to much on our plate: Gaza is still under siege by Hamas, whose violence continues to shake Israel physically - with rockets in Sderot - and psychologically - as Gilad Shalit awaits his freedom, the Arab world is uniting more on a front against Israel, and Ahmadinejad's speech proves not only anti-Israel emotions but more seriously antisemitism is allowed to plague the international floor of the United Nations. These events prove that the world has indeed forgotten the message that applies to all people: "Never Again." In spite of all this, let us take these next few days to bring the entire Jewish nation closer to Hashem, so that we may be merited with the arrival of Moshiach, G-d willing speedily in our days. Shana Tova, and may Hashem bless us and guard us through these dark times.

(3)
Mike O'Neill,
September 28, 2008 12:54 PM

They can't stand the competition

Throughout the last three centuries, the success of the Jewish philosophy has manifested positive growth, consistent successful innovations in all disiplines and provided a sustained growth of personal wealth and cultural strength within the Jewish societies and the societies that have embraced, by association, those combined Jewish moral and cultural strengths. It is my belief that this consistant societal or cultural strength comes from the logic and wisdom practiced by the religious Jewish society. Those societal successes have often surpassed and in most cases enhanced the cultural growth of the many cultures with whom the Jewish morality and expertise has been associated as neighbors. Those achievements and obvious strengths have angered other societies with less cohesiveness, with less wisdom and strength of spirit..such that a jealous resentment, even a unfounded fear and anger, has often festered within non Jewish societies, resulting in one form or another of excessive social persecution. Weak societies have always feared and rebelled against stronger societies, the Jewish history is no exception to that failing of cultural evolution. I'm an Irish ex Catholic by the way...but a realist none the less. Ahmadinejad is a glaring example of that ignorant hatred, a festering pimple on the face of common sense.

(2)
Ira,
September 28, 2008 11:43 AM

UN is a disgrace

UN stands for UN-necessary. It is a shame and a sham and should be disbanded. Certainly, the US should pull its support and, based on today's financial crisis, this would be a good time and a good excuse to redirect a lot if ill spent money towards something more worthwhile.

(1)
G. C. WALTER,
September 28, 2008 10:35 AM

I came out of the Holocaust-out of Berlin, Germany. May i say I forgive this - so called leader of a fine Nation of good people ,but confused leaders. One of my best friend in this town of ours was chased out of his business and his home, in Iran, by such hatred-he is and always was a good and honest Christian. After the take over by those radical Moslems he was considered a non citizen and found a home here in the USA. That "So called leader" should be eliminated by his countries good people. He does not deserve to be considered a representative of any Nation. His voice is a voice is a voice of a mad and sick person!

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Talmud (Bechoros 7b) asks your very question! The Talmud bases this question on the principle that “whatever comes from a non-kosher species is non-kosher, and that which comes from something kosher is kosher.”

So why is bee-honey kosher? Because even though bees bring the nectar into their bodies, the resultant honey is not a 'product' of their bodies. It is stored and broken down in their bodies, but not produced there. (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 81:8)

By the way, the Torah (in several places such as Exodus 13:5) praises the Land of Israel as "flowing with milk and honey." But it may surprise you to know that the honey mentioned in the verse is actually referring to date and fig honey (see Rashi there)!

In 1809, a group of 70 disciples of the great Lithuanian sage the Vilna Gaon, arrived in Israel, after traveling via Turkey by horse and wagon. The Vilna Gaon set out for the Holy Land in 1783, but for unknown reasons did not attain his goal. However he inspired his disciples to make the move, and they became pioneers of modern settlement in Israel. (A large contingent of chassidic Jews arrived in Tzfat around the same time.) The leader of the 1809 group, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, settled in Tzfat, and six years later moved to Jerusalem where he founded the modern Ashkenazic community. The early years were fraught with Arab attacks, earthquakes, and a cholera epidemic. Rabbi Israel authored, Pe'at Hashulchan, a digest of the Jewish agricultural laws relating to the Land of Israel. (He had to rewrite the book after the first manuscript was destroyed in a fire.) The location of his grave remained unknown until it was discovered in Tiberias, 125 years after his death. Today, the descendants of that original group are amongst the most prominent families in Jerusalem.

When you experience joy, you feel good because your magnificent brain produces hormones called endorphins. These self-produced chemicals give you happy and joyful feelings.

Research on these biochemicals has proven that the brain-produced hormones enter your blood stream even if you just act joyful, not only when you really are happy. Although the joyful experience is totally imaginary and you know that it didn’t actually happen, when you speak and act as if that imaginary experience did happen, you get a dose of endorphins.

These chemicals are naturally produced by your brain. They are totally free and entirely healthy.

Many people find that this knowledge inspires them to create more joyful moments. It’s not just an abstract idea, but a physical reality.

Occasionally, when I walk into an office, the receptionist greets me rudely. Granted, I came to see someone else, and a receptionist's disposition is immaterial to me. Yet, an unpleasant reception may cast a pall.

A smile costs nothing. Greeting someone with a smile even when one does not feel like smiling is not duplicity. It is simply providing a pleasant atmosphere, such as we might do with flowers or attractive pictures.

As a rule, "How are you?" is not a question to which we expect an answer. However, when someone with whom I have some kind of relationship poses this question, I may respond, "Not all that great. Would you like to listen?" We may then spend a few minutes, in which I unburden myself and invariably begin to feel better. This favor is usually reciprocated, and we are both thus beneficiaries of free psychotherapy.

This, too, complies with the Talmudic requirement to greet a person in a pleasant manner. An exchange of feelings that can alleviate someone's emotional stress is even more pleasant than an exchange of smiles.

It takes so little effort to be a real mentsch.

Today I shall...

try to greet everyone in a pleasant manner, and where appropriate offer a listening ear.

With stories and insights,
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